Pasco man accused of bilking elderly Tampa woman of $170,000

TAMPA — A Pasco County man is accused of exploiting an 84-year-old woman and taking $170,000 from her, police said.

Bryant D. Gattos, 46, became Agnes Claire Raymond's financial adviser in July 2011. Raymond was diagnosed with moderate dementia, Tampa police said. In December 2011, Gattos obtained her power of attorney.

The next month, he took $170,000 from her "while knowing that she lacked the capacity to consent to the transfer of funds," police said. Gattos used the money for several purchases, including a Mercedes-Benz and a Harley-Davidson, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Gattos. Pasco deputies arrested him Friday at his home in Land O'Lakes. They seized the Mercedes in the garage.

Gattos faces a charge of exploitation of the elderly. He was being held in the Pasco County jail on $170,000 bail.